Beats Workin is about the life and times of a self-taught drummer who had a decent “weekend-warrior’ career while playing mostly singles and doubles. That’s me. As one band mate often stated, “At least you know when to go from the hi-hat to the ride cymbal.” As simple as that seemed to me, I guess it was less obvious to others. I also found there are quite a few other tricks to making this art form sound legitimate when you haven’t had any formal training. The biggest tip I can give right now is, LISTEN. Stop pounding on those obnoxious things and listen to the melody, the timing and emotion coming from the other musicians. Then add the unique drum ingredient to make the magic that is music.
I love the drums. The snap, the pop, the thump and splash! I love their place in music. Not a fan of solos. Don’t take em. Don’t listen to them. I listen to the flavor the others are cooking up and give it the foundation I feel it asking of me. If they’re the frosting, I’m the cake. Without the cake, there’s nothing to decorate. No flavor or feeling. No rhythm or movement. And worst of all, no one dancing.
After 30 years on the drums in 11 different bands (1980 – 2010) I’ve amassed numerous old cassette and video tapes, photographs, and other memorabilia from those experiences. As the media they’re recorded and printed on lose viability with each passing year, I set out to preserve them digitally rather than in a deteriorating cardboard box in my basement. This way, my son and his kids, or his kids’ kids can someday dispose of that box without regret.
So, for whatever it’s worth, and mostly for posterity, here’s what those old cassettes, video tapes, pictures and CDs captured of my life as a weekend warrior on the drums while using my God given talent to make the best product I could with the limited instruction I had.
“If the beat’s workin, the band’s workin.”
~ Mike, *Guaranteed or your money back*
*Dedicated to my son, Christopher, who grew up listening to the old Beats Workin tapes. Who became my trusted sidekick during my time with the last few bands, and is my absolute favorite band mate today. Whatever song you want to try son, I’ll always back you up on the drums.
~ Dad